Car park gritting and snow clearing contracts

Businesses, farms, schools, care homes, housing associations, estate managers and facilities companies.

A seasonal retainer plus a charge per call-out or per treatment, with salt billed on top. Contracts agreed before winter give steadier income than one-off jobs. Income is concentrated in roughly November to March, so the monthly revenue figures are an average across the whole year, not what you would see in a single winter month.

• Confident driving in poor conditions
• Reading weather forecasts
• Organising on-call rotas
• Quoting and contract basics

• Public liability insurance that specifically covers gritting and snow clearing, plus motor insurance for business use with fitted equipment
• Keep records of when you treated each site, as these can matter if someone claims after a slip
• Check vehicle weight limits and whether your licence and vehicle suit the equipment you plan to fit
• Check with your council before working on any public road or pavement
• Winter-only income and call-outs at night or early morning, so agree clear contract terms, budget for the quiet months and have a backup plan if a vehicle breaks down
• Mild winters can mean few call-outs, so a good retainer share matters
• Employer's liability insurance once you take on staff or drivers

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £50,000, depending on the vehicle, plough and spreader you choose. These are estimates, so get quotes for equipment and insurance before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many contracts you hold and how much snow falls. Mild winters can mean few call-outs, so a good retainer share matters.

Check you have public liability insurance that specifically covers gritting and snow clearing, plus motor insurance for business use. Keep records of when you treat each site, and check with your council before working on any public road or pavement.